So – you decided to take a photography tour to the destination of your dreams.
Now you have some decisions to make, since every person has a different idea of their perfect tour. Here are some of my thoughts on planning your photography tour to hopefully help you have a great experience.
There are different types of photography tours. Some just get you to the right location at the right time, others also offer instruction and image reviews. But keep in mind, a tour is not a photo workshop. There will never be as much instruction as in a photo workshop.
What do you like to photograph? Nature, architecture, people? Maybe you like to do a little of everything? Check out the details of the tour to make sure it is what really interests you.
Monk reading, Myanmar
Some tours require a certain level of fitness. Make sure you are up to it!
Check the group size and student/instructor ratio, especially if it is a tour that includes instruction.
Before you head on your tour, make sure you know your camera well (and don’t forget to bring the manual along). You will be in an exciting new environment , so you don’t want to have to worry about figuring out your camera settings.
If you are flying overseas, plan to arrive a couple of days ahead of time to recover from the jet-lag, so you won’t be half asleep for a good portion of your trip.
Now that you have decided on the tour, there is the gear to pack:
- ALWAYS have a back-up camera!
- Check with the photographer leading the tour to see which lenses are suggested.
- Make sure you have a comfortable pack that you can carry around for a long time.
- More memory cards and batteries than you thought (especially if you are travelling to a destination where you might not have power all the time).
- Universal power-plug adapter and a power-strip so you can plug in several items at a time.
- Laptop and a back-up hard-drive
- Filters
- Lens and sensor cleaning supplies
- Cable release
- Card reader
- Battery charger
- Make sure you have all the necessary cables
- Rain cover for your camera (which also works well in dusty conditions)
- Rocket blower
- Towel
- Small flashlight
- First aid kit
- Small multi-purpose tool (in your checked luggage!)
- Tripod
And most of all: Have fun and bring your sense of adventure. Have an open mind to explore your new surroundings, culture and people. A smile will get you a long way, even if you don’t speak the same language!
And if you would like to see some images of my recent trip to Myanmar, you are welcome to head over to my website at www.beatedalbecphotography.com
Happy travels!
Beate Dalbec – Bio
Her main interest had always been nature and travel photography. The opportunity to participate in workshops with well-known nature photographer Art Wolfe changed the way she approaches her photography and made her look at the world with new eyes.
She also enjoys pet and equine photography and is availabe for private photo sessions.
To see more of Beate Dalbec’s photography please visit www.beatedalbecphotography.com
About Phil
Twitter: grantlylynch
says:
Hi Phil
Thanks for your comment on my blog- I like your site- keep up the great photography tips.
Grant
Grantly Lynch Invites you to read.. Corporate Headshots
Thanks Grantly for your kind comments, glad you enjoyed it and I hope you are having a good day!
Twitter: adriennesmith40
says:
I can imagine a lot going into a tour like this Beate. Lots of walking, traveling, planning, making sure you have all your equipment. I’m not a photographer so I probably have no idea what’s all involved but I do love to take pictures, I’m pretty sentimental you know. Oh, and I love to look at beautiful photos too. I admire people who have this talent.
~Adrienne
Adrienne Invites you to read.. How To Build Successful And Profitable Relationships
Thank you Adrienne, glad you enjoyed the guest post by Beate. She is a great photographer and the photos on here blog from her trips to Myanmar are wonderful.
Wow amazing!… Your ideas and suggestions about the photography are just outstanding.. Looking forward to see more tips from you keep it up!!!
Thanks Jimmy for your kind comments.
When I was in Myanmar over a quick visa run from Ranong in Thailand, I didn’t realize the pristine beauty of that country hidden behind its military facade. It’s about time that they open up to the world to share their unchartered territories. It’s a photographers haven.
Joan Lehmann Invites you to read.. Nepal Warns Tourists About Cholera
Twitter: grantlylynch
says:
Great tip about checking out which lens you might need. Lens can be heavy and you dont want to be carrying something around for 2 weeks which you dont need.
Event Photographer Invites you to read.. Corporate Event Photographer
Twitter: sramsdenstudio
says:
Great advice, I suppose to some degree you would need to know the itinerary before deciding the exact balance for your kit? For example, if you are away from electricity sources for any length of time, you’d more disc space and would be less reliant on laptops and back up drives. If you can get back to a central base each night, fewer cards would be needed but you wouldn’t have easy access to laptops and back up hard-drives. I’m not sure you’d need both all the time? Weight issues would come into, for example, trekking with too much un-necessary kit. Security issues would come into leaving stuff at a central point. So balance is the key, knowing the itinerary would help with that.
Steve Ramsden Invites you to read.. Wood Hall Weddings – Jenny and Andrew